Correlation between brain function and ADHD symptom changes in children with ADHD following a few-foods diet: an open-label intervention trial

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

Previous studies - including randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials - have shown that various dietary interventions can help to reduce symptoms in children with ADHD, and among these, the use of a 'few foods' diet is one of the most well-supported by clinical trial evidence. 

This study used brain imaging in addition to standard ADHD symptom ratings to investigate possible mechanisms underlying any behavioural changes associated with a few-foods diet.

Following this diet led to reduced ADHD symptoms in more than 60% of the children studied.

No correlation was found between reductions in ADHD symptom ratings and specific brain regions known to be involved in the attentional task the children performed during brain imaging.

However, ADHD symptom improvements were significantly linked with activation of a brain region called the precuneus - an assocation area that integrates sensory and other information from multiple brain areas, and is implicated in visuopatial attention, cognition and memory.

This brain area is thought to be involved in the inhibition of inappropriate responses, and also to play a central role in the so-called 'default mode network' (i.e. the network of brain regions that remains activated when someone is conscious but resting, and is not deliberately engaged in any sensory or motor activity). 

It is therefore at least plausible that increased activation of this brain region could help to explain a reduction in ADHD symptoms of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity.  

More importantly, however, this study once again shows that for many children with ADHD, a 'few foods' diet can lead to improvements in attention and behaviour. 


For news articles reporting on this study please see:

• Diet changes brain activity in children with ADHD

• 'Few-foods' diet could be recipe for easing ADHD symptoms

See also:

• Pelsser et al 2017 - Diet and ADHD, Reviewing the Evidence: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses of Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials Evaluating the Efficacy of Diet Interventions on the Behavior of Children with ADHD.

• Rucklidge et al 2018 - Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

• Hawkey & Nigg 2014 - Omega-3 and ADHD: blood level analysis and meta-analytic extension of supplementation trials.

• Millichap & Yee 2012 - The Diet Factor in ADHD

• McCann et al 2007 - Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

• Schab & Trinh 2004 - Artificial food colours and hyperactivity: A meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

• ADHD and Diet - Clinical Trials - Research